Few people were more involved with the site than Aubrey Brooks, who has the steelworks in his blood.

His grandfather James Massey helped start the plant in 1915, his father worked there for 42 years and Aubrey himself put in 38 years' service from 1961 until the closure in 1999.

He started as a rivet heater, and made his way through the ranks to become operations supervisor from 1992 to 1999.

"My family put in 125 years of service to the steelworks," Mr Brooks, now 69, said.

"We were there from beginning to end and there's not many people who can say that."

Now vice-president of the Newcastle Industrial Heritage Foundation, Mr Brooks is organising the 15-year BHP reunion to be held at Newcastle District Tennis Club on Saturday, September 20, at 12.30pm.

"BHP was like a home away from home and when it closed friendships were lost," he said.

"It's very important we get together every year and events like this are also good for networking because some people are still looking for jobs."

Mr Brooks expects between 300 and 500 people at the reunion.

He is also planning for next year's 100th anniversary of the opening of the plant.

"We're raising money for a memorial to everyone who lost their lives on the site, which was around 800 people."

Mr Brooks says the foundation needs about $70,000 to fund it.

■ The reunion is free to attend. See niha.org.au or phone Aubrey Brooks on 4984 5264.